The Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET) is a part of the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering at Ghent University. CMET is specialized in the study and application of mixed microbial cultures or communities. A microbial community consists of several populations, which each represent a functional biological entity and thus a diverse metabolic capacity. The assemblage of these biological entities represents -when properly organized- a powerful resource. CMET researchers focus on the optimal management of these microbial resources. We define it as Microbial Resource Management (MRM), enabling us to develop novel products and (technological) processes to improve our environment or human health in the most sustainable way.
Research domains
CMET focuses on areas like disease prevention, applied microbial ecology, host-microbe interactions, life support in space, microbial electrocatalysis, resource recovery, and water treatment.
-
30/10: Public defence of the doctoral dissertation of Barbara Ulčar
The title of the doctoral dissertation is “The role and interactions of lactic acid and chain-elongating bacteria in granular bioprocesses for caproic acid production“ The public defence will take place on 30 October 2026 at 17:00 in the Room A0.1 Azalea at Campus Coupure, Coupure links 653, 9000 Ghent A short abstract of the doctoral […]
-
27/10: Public defence of the doctoral dissertation of Bram Martin
The title of the doctoral dissertation is “Copepod-bacteria interactions: implications for natural ecosystems and use as live feed in aquaculture“ The public defence will take place on 27th of October 2026 at 5 pm in Lecture Room E2, Blok E, Campus Coupure, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent. A short abstract of the doctoral research Copepods […]
Research Projects
BIOLOOP
The BIOLOOP project aims to strengthen the connection between supply and demand, paving the way for high-value bio-based applications across a wide range of industries. By leveraging Flanders’ strategic position as a central logistics hub, the project seeks to position the region as a leader in the bioeconomy.
ManuREfinery
In ManuREfinery, we are producing caproic acid oil from grass, fertilized with recovered nutrients.
MICRO4BIOGAS
In MICRO4BIOGAS we characterize and select the best microbial strains and consortia to optimize biogas production
Our aim is to boost the biogas sector in Europe by increasing the yield, speed, quality and reproducibility of biogas production. For this purpose, we will develop highly efficient microbial consortia based on strains that naturally inhabit anaerobic digesters. With our novel approach we hope to consolidate this renewable energy as an environmentally, politically, and economically viable option.
Agriloop
In Agriloop, we convert agricultural residues into selected mixtures of carboxylic acids. Our research integrates fundamental understanding of anaerobic fermentations with bioprocess optimization.
Waste2Ethanol
In Waste2Ethanol, we study the metabolic interactions between yeasts and lactic acid bacteria to develop a mixed culture bioprocess to produce ethanol from food waste.